Multi-Pad Wireless Charging Power Sharing Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles face inefficiencies and high costs when charging multiple vehicles simultaneously, particularly in fleet settings where power regulation and distribution are complex, especially when using renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pad wireless charging system with a plurality of primary pad apparatuses, each connected to a power converter and a sharing controller, which selectively transmits power and adjusts power distribution to minimize total power cost by using a power module that adjusts power to each primary pad apparatus, incorporating resonant converters and AC to DC converters to optimize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple primary pad apparatuses are used to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, then charging capacity and productivity are improved, but device complexity and power distribution management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple primary pad apparatuses are electrically connected in parallel to a common power feed, merging their power consumption into a single power source connection. This simplifies the power distribution infrastructure while maintaining the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, as the controller manages power allocation across all pads through a unified electrical connection point
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter apparatus is designed to serve multiple primary pad apparatuses simultaneously, making it a universal power supply unit. The controller can dynamically allocate power to any combination of active pads, allowing the same power conversion system to handle varying charging demands across different vehicles and time periods
2Loss of energy
If power is regulated and distributed to multiple primary pads from a single power feed, then power cost efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the operational state of each primary pad apparatus and adjusts power distribution accordingly. By receiving feedback on which pads are actively charging vehicles and at what power levels, the controller can optimize power allocation to minimize energy losses and reduce overall power costs while managing multiple pads through a single power feed connection
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system is designed to be dynamic, with the controller continuously adjusting power allocation based on real-time conditions. Power converter switching elements can rapidly change their state to redirect power flow, allowing the system to adapt to changing charging demands across multiple pads while maintaining efficient power utilization
3Adaptability or versatility
If primary pad apparatuses are spaced apart for individual vehicle positioning, then charging versatility is improved, but system area and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each primary pad apparatus serves as a universal charging point that can accommodate different vehicle types and charging power requirements. The standardized pad design allows the same infrastructure to handle various vehicle configurations, improving versatility without requiring specialized equipment for each vehicle type, thereby reducing overall system complexity and area requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently manages power distribution to multiple vehicles, reducing overall charging costs by optimizing power usage and integrating renewable energy sources, while ensuring reliable and efficient wireless power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of resonant converters. Each of the resonant converters is connected to the DC bus and to a primary pad apparatus
Implementation Method 2
Each primary pad apparatus is positioned to transmit power to a secondary pad apparatus of a vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an alternating current (“AC”) to DC converter that receives power from the power feed and provides power to the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for multi-pad wireless charging is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of primary pad apparatuses. Each primary pad apparatus is positioned to transmit power to a secondary pad apparatus of a vehicle. The primary transmitter pad apparatuses are spaced apart sufficient for each of a plurality of vehicles to be positioned over one primary pad apparatus of the plurality of primary pad apparatuses. The apparatus includes a power converter apparatus connected to each of the plurality of primary pad apparatuses, a power feed that provides power to the power converter apparatus and a sharing controller that selectively controls which of the plurality of primary pad apparatuses transmits power to a secondary pad apparatus and/or controls power sharing between the primary pad apparatuses.